It's Fertilizer Friday
again at Tootsie Time.
I'm excited to have something of interest
to contribute!!
I usually focus
on my various tropical flowers and foliage.
However, we added our "starter" veggie garden
this year to our Garden in Paradise.
We were timid since our first attempt
several years ago burned to unidentifiable twigs
in the blazing South Florida sun.
However, we've researched and studied
since then and felt we were ready to try again.
This is the beginning in March 1, 2011.
Such sweet little babies!
And, as all babies do,
they started to grow...quickly!
This photo was taken March 15, 2011!
And the garden this morning, April 8, 2011...
I have to give credit to
Miracle Grow Garden Soil.
That pains me a little
as I honestly try with all my might
to keep an organic garden.
But the first, organic and inexperienced garden
shriveled so quickly that
I really couldn't shoulder the failure
a second time...so I cheated a bit.
I even purchased potted plants
instead of starting from seed.
But, seriously, the results are phenominal!
Being a flower fanatic,
I couldn't resist capturing some blooms.
This squash blossom is beautiful
in the morning sun,
framed by some little baby tomatoes.
The squash are already developing!
I can't wait to harvest these!
(I'll be able to participate in Harvest Monday!!!)
I like this pretty cucumber bloom
peaking out from behind the green foliage.
What a perfect flower!
And perfect blooms produce perfect cucumbers!
Look closely and you'll see a clump
of little green tomatoes!
A basil leaf also snuck into the picture.
Too bad I can't embed a scratch-and-sniff
of the basil...it's heavenly!
This is another variety of tomato - a little larger.
This Chinese Cabbage s HUGE!!
I have 4 of them!
Pretty, too.
Here's a Mammoth Jalapeno Pepper.
You can also see some chives
in the top left of the photo.
Our yellow and red bell peppers are blooming,
but no sign of baby peppers yet.
And in case you're questioning the validity of the Miracle Grow Garden Soil, check out my watermelon, purchased and planted on the same day, but without the Miracle Grow Soil.
I thought the watermelon would thrive
in the sandy "soil" we have in our yard.
Alas, in hind sight,
the watermelon would be gigantic by now
if I'd used the Miracle Grow soil.
Live and learn!
I'm not saying I'm turning from my organic ways,
but until I can amend my soil
enough to make a difference,
I might lean a bit on some non-organic options.
Remember to check out other gardens at
Thank you, Tootsie,
for being such a gracious hostess!!
Happy Fertilizer Friday, all!!
